Free Vaccines and Exams for Veterans’ Pets: ARF’s Mobile Clinic will be at the VA Northern California Health Care System to administer free vaccines and wellness checks for the pets of veterans. All services first-come, first served. Must present military ID. 8:30-11 a.m. (or until full) Dec. 8 and Dec. 23. 150 Muir Road, Martinez.

Wonderful Winter Wildlife: Children 2-5 years-old explore a variety of age-appropriate craft and activity stations at their own pace at this drop-in program. Observe demonstrations and hands-on presentations with animal ambassadors. 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 11. Lindsay Wildlife Experience, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. $10 for first child ($20 nonmembers), $6 for each additional child ages 2 and older. Children under 2 are free with one paid admission. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.

100 Years of Protecting Bay Area Birds: Lindsay Wildlife Experience will host Golden Gate Audubon Society’s traveling Centennial Art Exhibit, “100 Years of Protecting Bay Area Birds,” through Jan. 2. Spanning two floors, the exhibit features photos of Bay Area birds from tiny chestnut backed Chickadees to Golden Eagles. The exhibit is free with cost of admission to Lindsay Wildlife.

Contra Costa Humane Society: Interested in volunteering at Contra Costa Humane Society? A description of volunteer positions such as adoption counselor, adoption event coordinator, foster home provider, and more can be seen here. Volunteer applications are available here.

Animal Tales: This program for kids Pre-K and younger, offers a morning of free play in the Learning Center’s Vet Clinic and Pet Store, animal storybook time, and meet and greet with a member of ARF’s canine outreach team, the Pet Hug Pack. Children must be supervised at all times. 9-9:45 a.m. third Thursdays monthly, Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Donations welcome but not required for participation.

Pet Ambassadors Club: This monthly pet education series for kids of all ages offers activities like teach how to be respectful with animals, how to read animal emotions, and making animal-themed crafts to take home. 1-2 p.m. third Saturday of the month. Alameda See Spot Run, 2510 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda. 510-523-7768.

Conversation Icons speaker series: This speaker series hosted by Lindsay Wildlife Experience brings renowned thinkers, researchers, and leaders who inspire audiences to think differently about the natural world and wildlife around us. The series is held at Lindsay Wildlife Experience, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. Note: Presentations planned for Jan. 6 and May 5, 2018 will be held at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek.

Women on Common Ground: Series of naturalist-led programs for women who love the outdoors but whose concern for personal safety keeps them from enjoying local parks. For a schedule of events, call 510-544-3243 or kcolbert@ebparks.org.

Free Fridays:Lindsay Wildlife Experience will offer free general admission from noon to 5 p.m. on the third Friday of the month. Lindsay Wildlife Experience is located at 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek.

Pet Loss Support Group: Valley Humane Society’s Pet Loss Support Group creates a safe place to share memories, learn the grieving process and find ideas to memorialize a pet. There is no fee to attend but registrants are asked to participate in a phone interview prior to attending. 7-8:30 p.m. second and fourth Mondays of each month, Hope Hospice, 6377 Clark Ave., Dublin. Call 925-829-8770 or 510-439-4917 to sign up.

Get Outside: Lindsay Wildlife Experience is currently offering nature and conservation-themed events and activities, including “Nature Play,” a children’s favorite on Member Tuesdays. Details.

Animeals: The Valley Humane Society operates a pet food pantry that provides regular free meals for dogs and cats of seniors and low-income families. Donations of wet or dry dog and cat food are always accepted, even if opened or recently expired and can be dropped off during open hours at Valley Humane Society, 3670 Nevada St., Pleasanton. Pet-related items such as litter, treats, and toys are also needed. Pet food distribution takes places through partnerships with local food banks: Pleasanton: Valley Bible Church, first Thursdays monthly, 7106 Johnson Drive. Livermore: Tri-Valley Haven, third Wednesdays monthly, 3663 Pacific Ave.

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PENINSULA

(Bay Area News Group archives)

Pet Photos with Santa:Paws & Claus photo sessions for pets will be held from 4 p.m. until closing, Dec. 10 and 17, at The Shops at Tanforan, 1150 El Camino Real, San Bruno. Pets must be on a leash or in a carrier and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Dogs and cats only.

Peninsula Humane Society Wine Club: Four times a year (January, April, July and October) members receive three handcrafted, highly-rated wines from three California boutique wineries. Shipments are $99 and fifty percent of the profits from every club shipment are donated directly back to the Peninsula Humane Society. Sign up.

Vaccination and microchip clinic: The Peninsula Humane Society holds vaccination clinics from 6 to 8 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month. The low-cost clinics provide vaccinations for rabies, canine distemper, FVRCP and DHPP, as well as microchips. Coyote Point Shelter, 12 Airport Blvd., San Mateo. $15-$30. 650-340-7022, ext. 665.

Monterey Bay Aquarium seeks volunteers: The Monterey Bay Aquarium holds informational meetings for those interested in becoming a volunteer. Volunteers must be 18 or older. Bilingual speakers are encouraged to attend. volunteers@mbayaq.org.

First Friday Sale: On the First Friday of each month, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA’s resale store Pick of the Litter offers 50 percent off or more on every items. Shop for second-hand treasures including clothing, household items, furniture, art, jewelry, electronics, books, vintage and costume clothing, and more. All proceeds directly benefit the shelter animals at PHS/SPCA. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. 1127 Chula Vista Ave., Burlingame. 650-344-1662.

Dog Day Mornings: Dogs romp and play off-leash in a supervised atmosphere every Saturday, rain or shine. All dogs must be current on their vaccinations and have attended a basic obedience class. Dogs six months and older must be altered. Two sessions: 9:30-10:30 a.m. is for dogs of all shapes and sizes; 10:30-11:30 a.m. is for small dogs only. Peninsula Humane Society, 12 Airport Blvd., San Mateo. Preregistration required; no drop-ins. 650-340-7022, ext. 184.

Home for the Holiday’s: Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority’s Home for the Holidays campaign runs through Jan. 7 and aims to place all adoptable animals in forever homes. Adoption fees for adults (6 months or older) will be $20 and every adoption, senior or otherwise, will include a Despicable Me 3 Minion Cam, courtesy of Tend Insights. The cams can be set up to check in on your pets when your’e not home. SVACA, 3370 Thomas Road, Santa Clara. 408-764-0344.

Rabbit Haven Adoption Shows:Rabbit Haven holds adoption events three times a month at the following locations: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 1261 South Mary St., Sunnyvale (inside For Other Living Things). This show is held the first Saturday of each month. Adoption shows are also held 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of the month at Pet Pals, 3660 Soquel Drive, Soquel. There are at least 35 rabbits at every show and same day adoptions are available. Personal adoption appointments are available if arranged in advance. For information, call 831-239-7119 or 831-600-7479.

Kiddies 2 Kitties Reading Program: Kids in first through fifth grade practice reading aloud to adoptable cats, honing their skills while also getting cuddle time with the animals. The program is held in conjunction with the Palo Alto Humane Society, who facilitate the program at SVACA. 3:30-5 p.m. first and third Wednesdays, 3370 Thomas Road, Santa Clara. 408-764-0344.

Companion Animal Loss Support Group: Meetings help grieving pet owners work through their feelings of loss, anger and depression. Participants may attend an unlimited number of meetings and are encouraged to return to help others work through their grief. 6:30-7:30 p.m. first Tuesdays monthly. Humane Society Silicon Valley, 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas. Donations accepted.

Vets for Healthy Pets: This veterinary clinic for pets of the homeless offers access to preventative veterinary care including vaccines, parasite treatment, microchipping, flea medication, nail trims, medications and any extra medical procedures the animals may need. Clinics also offer free pet supplies and pet food. Clinics are held on one day of the last weekend of the month at HomeFirst, 2011 Little Orchard St., San Jose. 408-794-7245.

Puppy Socials: In a trainer-supervised setting, puppies learn important play skills and bite inhibition and are exposed to environmental stimulus to help build confidence, assist in development and prevent fearful behavior in adulthood. Sundays: 10-10:45 a.m. Attend at this time if your puppy is still a bit shy or fearful of new settings. 11-11:45 a.m. For more playful, outgoing dogs. Fridays: 7-7:45 p.m. All puppies welcome. Humane Society Silicon Valley Training Room, 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas. $10 cash at the door.

Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic: The City of San Jose is offering a low-cost spay/neuter clinic at the San Jose Animal Care Center, 2750 Monterey Road. For a limited time the City is partnering with HSSV to offer free dog and cat spay/neuter for residents of zip codes: 95111, 95112, 95116, 95122 and 95127. Low-cost spay/neuter services will still be available for local Chihuahuas, Pit Bulls and cats outside of these zip codes.

Dog Training: The Mission City Dog Training School, in cooperation with the Santa Clara Parks & Recreation Department, offers dog obedience and puppy training classes on Saturdays at Maywood Park. The program is held throughout the year, and is open to residents and non-residents. For complete information on classes, contact Walt at 831-465-1491 or wenagle@yahoo.com.

Outdoor Environmental Science Home School Program:Guadalupe River Park Conservancy leads hands-on, outdoor programs that focus on the Guadalupe River watershed and the cultural and natural history of Santa Clara County, integrating scientific learning with an intimate experience of nature and place. For ages 5-12. 1:30-3 p.m. Thursdays, Guadalupe Visitor & Education Center, 438 Coleman Ave., San Jose. Drop ins welcome but preregistration is preferred. $15 per student, per class. 408-298-7657.

The Dancing Cat: Silicon Valley’s first cat adoption lounge offers a place for cat lovers and potential adopters to socialize with friends, read, study, or just lounge with adoptable cats in a comfortable, open room. Guests are invited to bring their own food and beverages. A small selection of drinks and cookies are available for purchase. Wifi and catnip are on the house. Through November. Details.

Rabbit Haven foster positions: The Rabbit Haven operates exclusively with Foster homes to care for more than 90 rabbits at any given time. Foster’s usually have 1-2 foster rabbits in their home. Minimum foster period is three months. The Haven provides the pen, floor covering, food and water dishes, a toy and litter box. Foster families provide an indoor home and daily care. To apply, email Director@therabbithaven.org. 831-600-7479.

Rabbit Advocates:The Rabbit Haven is seeking Haven shelter advocates 18 and older in the San Jose area to help with exercising, cleaning, and grooming bunnies. Transport assistance is also needed on occasion. For an application, email Director@therabbitHaven.org or call Sarah, 415-531-7138 or Heather, 831-600-7479.

Free Chihuahua Spay/Neuter: The San Jose Animal and Care Shelter in partnership with Humane Society Silicon Valley is offering free spay/neuter surgeries for Chihuahua/Chihuahua mixes to residents who live in ZIP codes with high Chihuahua population. Owners must live in one of the following ZIP codes: 95111, 95112, 95116, 95122 or 95127. Dogs must be between 4 months and 7 years old and be a Chihuahua or Chihuahua mix under 25 pounds. For complete details, go here and click on spay/neuter information.

Dog Book Reading Club: Do you love dogs? Want to learn more about their behavior, training, learning, body language, and using positive training methods? The Humane Society Silicon Valley Dog Book Reading Club meets from 2-4 p.m. fourth Sundays monthly to discuss a different book. 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas. Free. 408-262-2133.

SAN FRANCISCO

Holiday Window Unveiling: View adoptable cats and dogs from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. through Jan. 1 at Macy’s Union Square Holiday Windows. This year’s theme is “The Perfect Gift Brings People Together.” Visitors can see more adoptable animals and schedule time in the SF SPCA Cuddle Experience. Cuddle sessions will be available on the sixth floor from 11 am.-1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. -noon and 4-6 p.m. on weekends.

Bay Area News Group archives

Reindeer Romp 2017: Visit with Santa’s favorite reindeer, Belle, Holly and Peppermint and learn what they eat (besides carrots and cookies) on Christmas Eve, and see what they look like up close. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through Jan. 1, San Francisco Zoo, Sloat Boulevard at the Great Highway. Free-$19. Tickets.

Senior Stroll: Guests 65 and older can take a guided walking tour with almost the whole Zoo to themselves. Watch the animals that are active early in the day with a docent guide to answer questions and offer insights into animal behavior. 9-11 a.m. Dec. 14, San Francisco Zoo, Sloat Boulevard at the Great Highway. Zoo admission is included in tour price. $5. Tickets.

ZooLights: See the Zoo in a whole new light with the 100 acre park, conservation center and Zoo lit up with holiday lights. With Santa Claus, reindeer, music and more. 5-8 p.m. Dec. 15-17, 19-23, and 26-30. San Francisco Zoo, Sloat Boulevard at the Great Highway. $Free-$8.

Butterflies & Blooms: Walk among more than 20 species of colorful and familiar North American butterflies including monarchs, Western swallowtails, painted ladies, and more. Giant moths, like the cecropia moth, may make an appearance as well. The Butterfly Bungalow at the entrance of the gallery lets you observe the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly. 10 a.m.-4 p.m daily except Monday, through Jan. 7. Conservatory of Flowers, 100 John F. Kennedy Drive, San Francisco. Free-$8.

Tarantula Exhibit: This special exhibit focuses on the diverse and natural beauty of these giants of the spider world. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily at the San Francisco Zoo, Sloat Blvd. at the Great Highway. Exhibit is included with general admission.

SANTA CRUZ

Training Discussion Group: The Santa Cruz SPCA offers a free training discussion group once a month with a local trainer to help dog owners with behavioral issues or training questions. The small-group setting is perfect for people who have newly adopted their first animal or those who have adopted and are experiencing problems they’ve never dealt with before. These sessions are for people only. 6:30-7:30 p.m. first Mondays monthly, Santa Cruz SPCA Capitola Mall Adoption Center and Gift Shop, 1855 41st Ave., Capitola. Reservations required.

MONTEREY

Fall Fridays: The Monterey Bay Aquarium will offer reduced admission ($10 savings on each general admission ticket) on Fridays through December to local residents of Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties. Valid for arrival at 3 p.m or later, until closing at 5 p.m. Excludes holiday weekends. 886 Cannery Row.

New Year’s Eve Sleepover: Ring in the New Year at a family-friendly sleepover at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the New Year’s countdown begins at 9 p.m. with a sparkling cider toast and another mini countdown at midnight. Guests can take snapshots in a photobooth, enjoy a sundae bar, and take part in activities and programs. Small bites and beverages are also available for purchase. In the morning, enjoy a full breakfast in the aquariums cafe. Afterwards, naturalists help spot wildlife swimming past in Monterey Bay and the Great Tide Pool deck. 6 p.m. Dec. 31 through 8:30 a.m. Jan. 1. Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row. $100-$125 per person. $831-647-6886. Registration.

AROUND THE STATE

Holiday Ugly Sweater Photo Contest: Embrace Pet Insurance is hosting a holiday sweater photo contest for pets. The contest will run through Dec. 15 to coincide with National Ugly Christmas Sweater day. Photos can be submitted through Dec. 8. Voting starts Dec. 9 and runs through Dec. 15. Potential winners will be contacted via email. Enter for a chance to win here.

Gray Lodge Wildlife Area Guided Wetlands Tours: A wildlife naturalist will lead a group (minimum of 18 people) through the diverse wetlands of the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. Learn wildlife identification and behavior patterns, conservation efforts and more. The experience can be customized to include requested information, along a half-mile walking route. For information and scheduling, call 530-846-7505 or email ldieter@dfg.ca.gov. Details.

Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve docent-led walks: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Binoculars and bird books available to borrow at no cost. Visitor Center and main overlook are fully accessible. Day use is $4.32 per person, ages 16 and older. Groups of 10 or more should schedule a separate tour.